The County Board recognizes and declares the necessity of providing the most efficient and highest quality services for the citizens of Dawes County while providing a work environment which is both competitive within the community and equitable.
Statewide Burn Ban
Citing changes to fuel conditions and following discussions with the local fire chiefs, Commissioners passed a resolution on April 14th, lifting the open burning ban that was put into place for Dawes County at March 24, 2026 meeting.
While the county ban has been lifted, a statewide burn ban established by state statute remains in place. Nebraska Statute 81-520-01 first passed in 1980 states that there shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.
The statute also gives the local fire chief the sole authority to waive the ban in the local fire department's jurisdiction when conditions are acceptable to the chief. Anyone intending to burn in such jurisdiction when the open burning ban has been waived shall notify the fire chief of his or her intention to burn prior to starting the burn. Similar to other jurisdictions, the Chadron and Crawford fire departments waive the ban via a permit. Failure to obtain a permit can result in being cited for a Class 4 misdemeanor
Confusion often arises when determining what is or is not considered an open burn. Each jurisdiction will likely define open burning differently; however, a common definition is burning outside of a container or containment system that may allow for the uncontrolled growth of the fire. Campfires in pits or rings are not often considered open burning while large brush piles are considered open burning. If there is ever a doubt, the best course of action would be to consult the local fire department.
Prior to requesting a burn or even starting a campfire, you can learn more about the current wildfire risk by checking on the Nebraska Forest Service Wildfire Risk Index at www.nebraskawildfirerisk.com
Sign up for Code Red emergency notifications through Region 23 Emergency Management. Click on the Code Red icon below to sign up.
Learn about the new Dawes County Volunteers program, a collaborative effort between Dawes County, the City of Chadron and the City of Crawford.
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Our programs are designed to further our mission and provide much needed services for our constituents.
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Court SystemProviding an avenue of decision making, resolving matters that can't resolve themselves.
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| Office | Address | Basic Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Assessor's Office | 451 Main St. | Homestead Exemptions, Real Estate Assessment, Board of Equalization, Zoning |
| Attorney | 250 Main St. | County Legal Needs, Prosecutions |
| Clerk's Office | 451 Main St. | Elections, Payroll/Claims, Marriage Licenses, Recording of Legal Documents, Commissioners Office |
| County Court | 451 Main St. | Small Claims, Probate, Juvenile Court, Adoption, Traffic Tickets, Civil Cases up to $52,000, All Misdemeanor and Initial Criminal Cases |
| District Court | 451 Main St. | Civil & Criminal Cases, Search Warrants, Trials, Jury Commissioner, Clerk of Mental Health Board, Protection Order Applications, Passports |
| Public Defender | 250 Main St. | Counsel appointed by the court for defendants facing jail time with certain financial considerations |
| Roads Department | 250 Main St. | Maintains county roads |
| Sheriff's Office | 451 Main St. | Law Enforcement |
| Tourism Office | 706 W. 3rd St. | Promotes Northwest Nebraska as a vacation destination |
| Treasurer's Office | 451 Main St. | Vehicle Licenses, Tax Collection, Annual Tax Sale, Receipt/Distribution of County Revenues |
| UNL Extension Office | 250 Main St. | Education and facilitation of programs for citizens including 4-H, family and consumer science, community and economic development |
| Veterans' Service Office | 342 Main St. | Files and processes veterans claims, assists veterans, widows & family, and those currently serving |
| Weed Department | 250 Main St. | Administration and operation of weed control |
Dawes County was established in 1885. Once the home of the Oglala and the Brule, trappers and fur traders were the region's early pioneers.
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